Local Government Mayoral Taskforce Supporting People Seeking Asylum

Changes by the Federal Government to the SRSS (Status Resolution Support Services) program are concerning many Councils as it will cut all income and case management support of many people seeking asylum and dramatically increase the demand for material aid resources at the local municipality level. This action will likely leave many people destitute and requests for places to live, money for clothes, food and medicine, will only escalate and there will likely be an impact on social cohesion. Within Victoria alone, the number at risk from these changes is 5,863.

Following the SRSS Mayoral Roundtable held in Dandenong on Tuesday 31 July to discuss joint advocacy against these changes as well as practical responses a group of Victorian Councils has now formed the Local Government Mayoral Taskforce Supporting People Seeking Asylum. The Taskforce is chaired by the City of Greater Dandenong Mayor, Cr Roz Blades AM.

Taskforce purpose:

Coordination of joint state-wide advocacy by Councils and sharing resources and practical responses by communities to the issues caused by the SRSS cuts.

The following Councils are part of the Local Government Mayoral Taskforce Supporting People Seeking Asylum:

Councils involved as Executive Members

Executive Members meet monthly and act as a steering group for the Taskforce.

Brimbank City Council

City of Darebin

City of Greater Dandenong

City of Hume

City of Monash

Hobsons Bay City Council

Moreland City Council

Yarra City Council

Councils involved as General Members

General Members get consulted on Taskforce direction, take an active role in Taskforce activities and contribute resources to the Taskforce.

Banyule City Council

Cardinia Shire Council

City of Ballarat

City of Port Phillip

City of Wagga Wagga (NSW)

City of Whittlesea

Hawkesbury City Council (NSW)

Leeton Shire Council (NSW)

Maribynong City Council

Moonee Valley City Council

Wyndham City Council

Back Your Neighbour Campaign

The Back Your Neighbour Campaign, which was launched on 3 December 2018, has seen 22 Councils band together to ensure people who have fled persecution do not end up suffering homelessness or destitution as a result of the Federal Government cuts. This campaign symbolises a unified approach with Councils from NSW and Victoria involved together with community ambassadors and advocates to have financial and support services reinstated for asylum seekers.

The objectives of the Back Your Neighbour campaign are to:

Change (reverse or mitigate) the Federal Government’s current policy on SRSS support for people seeking asylum in the community

Increase humanitarian support from the Victorian Government

Support the Federal Opposition to maintain its new position supporting people seeking asylum in the community during the election period and, if elected, into government

If your Council are interested in joining the Taskforce, or just want further information please contact Peter Johnstone, Coordinator, Community Development, City of Greater Dandenong at peter.johnstone@cgd.vic.gov.au.